"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being." Proverbs 20:27
Can you picture the Lord holding up a lighted lamp. Can you see him looking deeply into your eyes and searching you innermost thoughts and feelings?
I can.
When I read this verse, I can picture the Lord looking deeply into my soul. I can picture his compassionate gaze and sense his deep love for me. He knows my hidden thoughts and darkest secrets. He knows what I try to hide from others. He knows my failings.
Yet, he loves me. He loves me so deeply and completely. I can't even begin to imagine the intensity of His love for me. He loves me unconditionally, even though he has seen the ugliest parts of me.
This verse imparts a beautiful reminder to me of how much I am loved, but it also pricks my heart. It reminds me that I can't hide my innermost being from the Lord.
It saddens me.
I know the things I have thought, said or done that are unloving. I know the actions I have committed that are ungodly. This verse inspires me to live my life more like Christ. To be careful. It's like the song that I have taught my children.
"Oh be careful little mouth what you say. Oh be careful little mouth what you say. For the Father up above is looking down in love. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say."
Be careful mouth what you say. Be careful eyes what you see. Be careful ears what you hear. Be careful hands what you do. Be careful feet where you go. Be careful mind what you think. How hard it is to guard ourselves, but so necessary. If we are to have inner beauty and peace we need to guard what we allow into our lives. Then we need to carefully, intentionally live these lives that God has given to us.
Thankfully, the Lord loves us even when we feel our ugliest. He loves us when we mess up. He loves us when we feel unlovable. He is an AMAZING, FORGIVING God.
"The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Psalm 116:5 & 7
That is one of Savannah's favorite songs to sing, and when I stop and think about it, I would do well to take it to heart also. So thankful that the Lord shows us so much grace and mercy!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, how true. I can see him too Jen and it makes me feel dissapointed in myself as well.
ReplyDeleteWho sings that song? I heard it in our church a few weeks ago and just balled like a baby!
Jenn...with 2 N's!
ReplyDeleteIf I think about this long and hard, I cry because of the truth in it.
ReplyDeleteGod is truly amazing.
Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete(Looks like you've got a little spam on this post in the comment above, though.)